Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest, the longest-running annual international TV song competition in the world, was broadcasted again last week. This year several hundred million people watched the 42 participants put on a show on the stage in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Many people however, especially the ones that call themselves music fans, don't like Eurovision. They associate it with bad (read: commercial) music, crazy outfits and stupid dances. I have to admit this is partly true, but in recent years the amount of good acts is certainly increasing. 

The reason I still watch the event every year is because it's an excellent way to discover new music. On the one hand there's the traditional/folkloristic songs like Belarus and Hungary, while on the other hand there are the modern ballads as performed by Poland and Denmark (coincidently both were playboy models, but that's beside the point). Both electro (Norway) and rock (Ukraine) fans could also find something to their taste. Norwegian EDM producer JOWST was actually granted an exception for the use of pre-recorded vocals, which is normally not allowed. There's also room for different singing techniques as shown by the opera singer from Croatia and the yodelling duo from Romania.

The winner of this year's contest is an eccentric singer from Portugal named Salvador Sobral. His song Amar Pelos Dois sounds like it was composed in the 1960's but at the same time doesn't sound outdated. It's a beautiful composition that had the power to completely relax me amidst all the hard hitting dance tracks. A rightful winner if you ask me.

Other favourites from this year's show:

The Netherlands (the girls from O'G3NE have hands down the best harmonies in the competition)

Iceland (Svala brings a retro 80's electronic sound)

France (A catchy pop song sung by the beautiful Alma)

For more Eurovision songs check out the official Eurovision YouTube channel.